How is neurotic depression different from depression. Is it BiPolar ?

I recently had a bout of major depression, but for the first time I had some mania before hand, but not the classic kind, where you feel euphoria and such. Mine was a scary overwhelming experience where i couldn't go outdoors. there's more but i could write forever, does this sound like neurotic depression. I also had many crying episodes during this "mania"

Responses (3)

I want to be as honest as possible I have a friend in another state who has bipolar (the whole family were friends) he would have highs and lows, I don't recall anyone saying anything about what you describe, maybe there are other factors that I don't understand but I want you to know the right answer if this continues just be open with the doctor and express your concerns, I know sometimes finding a doctor that listens is difficult but I would not give you a wrong answer and guide you in the wrong direction I am a friend that wants the best for you

Hi sweetlemon, My mother had Bipolar for years. I know it's genetic, handed down. My doc said "maybe" when I asked him if I had it. He really couldn't say. It's just that I never experienced such overwhelming anxiety during depression before... who knows?

AN

Anonymous14 Jan 2011

Cathleen,Try googling the symptoms for BPD to see if it fits you? Just a thought.Lara

Hi, i have recently been diagnosed with bipolar 2, but through 'therapy' i now realise that i have been experiencing symptoms of it for 10, maybe 20 years! I understand what it is like to suffer a manic episode, during which i generally feel over confident and feel i can achieve anything, i have loads of energy and get by on just a few hours of sleep, i make more of an effort about my appearance and spend a lot of money on things i don't really need. I feel i can speak to complete strangers (which i something i generally don't do) and laugh a lot. I also drink excessively when hyper'. When i'm hypomanic i don't see any reason to get out bed in the morning, i sleep a lot, don't eat, cry at silly things and can't seem to find anything positive in my life, i think everyone hates me, etc.

The hypo' feelings i get though can be similar to chronic depression. The fact that you are biologically susceptible to bipolar should sound warning bells, but as one of the other responses menioned it does sound like depression rather than bipolar by the description you have given. Are you taking any medication at the moment? Your doctor should be able to provide 'tests' to find out the cause of your symptoms, including questionnaires. So if you think it is possible that you have bipolar share you concern and ask to be 'tested' for it. I hope everything works out for you. Take care.

thanks to all of you. I do believe it was depression, maybe just more severe episode than I've had in the past, which scares me. Lately (last 2 years) I seem to be cycling from "normal" to depressed. I don't experience the symptoms you (Delila) describe, so it can't be bipolar, but I am cycling. For instance now I'm stable. I dread he next bout of depression. To answer your question, I am on celexa, abilify, neurontin, lamicatal, atenolol (for anxiety), klonopin, Norco, I guess that's it. Any other comments are welcome